Maritime Accident Attorney in Corpus Christi

Protecting the Rights of Injured Workers on U.S. Waters

With its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is at the heart of Texas’ maritime industry, which includes offshore drilling, shipping, and port operations. Unfortunately, serious injuries on or near navigable waters happen frequently and fall under maritime laws which differ significantly from ordinary personal injury claims. At Perkins & Perkins, we have extensive experience handling maritime injury cases and know how to navigate these specialized laws to help you secure the justice and compensation you are rightfully owed.

How Does Maritime Law Determine Compensation for Your Accident?

Maritime accidents can impact seamen, longshoremen, harbor workers, offshore oil rig employees, and even passengers. These incidents often stem from equipment failures, inadequate safety protocols, toxic exposure, or severe weather. Because maritime work takes place on navigable waters or offshore sites, several federal laws determine how victims can recover compensation.

The Jones Act:
This law allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence when unsafe working conditions or improper vessel maintenance lead to injury. It also provides for “maintenance and cure,” which covers living expenses and medical treatment until the individual recovers.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA):
Covers dockworkers, shipbuilders, and harbor employees who are not considered seamen. It provides wage replacement, medical benefits, and rehabilitation for those injured on or near navigable waters.
The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA):
Allows families to pursue compensation when a loved one dies due to negligence or an accident occurring more than three nautical miles from U.S. shores. Damages often include loss of financial support and funeral costs.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA):
Extends LHWCA protections to employees working on offshore oil rigs and platforms. It ensures injured workers receive compensation for medical care and lost wages, even when the incident occurs far from land.
Maintenance and Cure:
A maritime doctrine that requires employers to pay daily living expenses (“maintenance”) and medical costs (“cure”) for seamen injured while serving their vessel, regardless of fault.
Unseaworthiness:
Under general maritime law, a vessel owner must ensure that the ship, its equipment, and crew are safe and fit for their intended purpose. If a vessel’s unsafe condition causes injury, the owner can be held strictly liable.

Understanding which of these laws applies to your situation is essential to maximizing your recovery. The maritime injury attorneys at Perkins & Perkins have the experience and resources to navigate these complex laws and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Common Limitations in Maritime Cases

Maritime law is unique, and workers injured at sea or in maritime operations face different rules than typical industrial or oilfield claims. Some key limitations include:

Seaman Status

To bring a Jones Act claim, a maritime worker must qualify as a seaman. Qualification requires that at least 30% of the worker’s duties and income tied to the operation of a vessel or other maritime activities. Only workers meeting this threshold are entitled to seaman protections, including maintenance and cure (basic living expenses and medical care during recovery) and the right to sue for employer negligence. This rule ensures that only workers with a substantial connection to the vessel or maritime operations are entitled to seaman protections. Workers who do not meet the 30% threshold may be limited to claims under general maritime law or other industrial/workplace statutes.

Limitation of Liability Act

Shipowners may attempt to limit their liability under the Limitation Liability Act (46 U.S.C. § 30501 et. seq.). This law allows a vessel owner to cap liability to the value of the vessel and its pending freight. The vessel owner must petition a federal court to establish a limitation fund. This fund holds the vessel’s value and freight while claims are assessed. Injured workers or passengers must then file claims against this fund. However, the limitation is not absolute and the vessel’s valuation can be challenged and potentially increased through the use of experts. Injured workers or passengers can also challenge this limitation if the vessel owner acted recklessly or with knowledge of unseaworthiness.

Free Consultation for Your Maritime Injury Case

Choosing the right maritime attorney can make a significant difference in your recovery. Perkins & Perkins has a proven record of success, including an $18,111,232 verdict in 2022, the largest construction injury verdict in Texas that year. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to worry about paying anything unless we win. Contact us today to discuss your case and start pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Maritime Injuries and How They Happen

Maritime injuries occur when individuals are hurt while working on or near navigable oceans, rivers, or docks. These accidents often affect seamen, offshore oil rig workers, longshoremen, and harbor employees. Because maritime work involves heavy equipment, unpredictable weather, and dangerous environments, injuries are often severe and sometimes fatal.

The Main Causes of Maritime Accidents

Cargo ships, tankers, offshore rigs, and docks are some of the most dangerous workplaces in the world. Common causes of maritime accidents include:

Common Maritime Injuries

Maritime and offshore workers face a wide range of serious injuries, such as:

Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
Burns and amputations
Broken bones and crush injuries
Respiratory and hearing loss conditions
Illnesses from toxic exposure
PTSD and other psychological effects

If you or a loved one has suffered one of these injuries, Perkins & Perkins can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.

Dangers of Offshore Oil Rigs

Offshore oil and gas sites present additional risks unique to the industry, including:

If you or a loved one has suffered one of these injuries, Perkins & Perkins can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term recovery needs.

Accidents in Docks and Harbors

Texas ports, including the Port of Corpus Christi, are busy and hazardous environments. Common incidents include:

Maritime Accident FAQs

What should I do right after a maritime accident?

Report the incident to your supervisor, seek immediate medical attention, and document everything, including photos, witness names, and unsafe conditions. Never sign any statements before talking to an attorney.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Under maritime law, you may still recover damages even if you share some blame for the accident. Your compensation will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if my employer refuses to provide medical care after my injury?

Maritime employers are legally required to provide “cure,” meaning medical treatment and care until you reach maximum recovery. If they fail to do so, Perkins & Perkins can help enforce your rights and pursue penalties against them.

Are passengers on ships or offshore vessels covered by maritime law?

Yes. Passengers injured on commercial or recreational vessels can pursue claims under general maritime law for negligence or unsafe conditions. These cases often involve cruise ships, ferries, and charter vessels.

Can families file claims for loved ones killed in maritime accidents?

Yes. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) allows families to seek compensation for financial losses and other damages when a maritime death occurs more than three nautical miles from shore.

What evidence is important in a maritime injury case?

Key evidence includes accident reports, maintenance logs, safety inspection records, photos of hazards, black box data, witness statements, and expert testimony. Gathering this early helps strengthen your case.

Why should I hire a maritime attorney instead of a general injury lawyer?

Maritime cases involve specialized federal laws and procedures that differ from standard personal injury claims. An experienced maritime lawyer, such as Perkins & Perkins, understands the vast difference in these rules and can maximize your recovery.